Feinstein targets bill to curb gun suits

Sac Bee ^ | 4/21/03 | Lawrence M. O'Rourke

[NormsRevenge]

WASHINGTON -- Legislation that would block most lawsuits against the gun industry for harm caused by misuse by others of firearms or ammunition has passed the U.S. House with healthy prospects for approval in the Senate.

Many Senate Democrats, led by California's Sen. Dianne Feinstein, are vowing a spirited campaign to scuttle the legislation, saying it would give the gun industry unparalleled protection from lawsuits.

[Joe Brower]

[Blood of Tyrants]

For the life of me, I can't figure out why Congress doesn't expand this legislation to protect ALL industries against lawsuits resulting from the unlawful use of a perfectly legal product. This would get the automobile and alcohol industries on board at the very least.

[Redbob]

Yes indeedy, all you Dimocrat senators line up with Dianne Fineswine, and let your constituents see just where you stand.
Especially those of you up for election next year...

[elbucko]

to protect ALL industries against lawsuits resulting from the unlawful use of a perfectly legal product.

Certainly is a thought. I rather like the vision of of homeless lawyers holding signs that read; "Will sue for food".....;^)

[NormsRevenge]

Personally, I can;t understand why all these "American" malcontents don't just leave America and go to countries where their beliefs are embraced. But that would be too much to hope for, I reckun.

We will just have to beat the snot out of 'em in 2004 and beyond.

[robertpaulsen]

"But several other Senate Democrats said they would back the measure, making it unclear whether opponents will muster the 41 votes they need to uphold a filibuster."

Why is it that everything the Republicans want, they need 60 votes? What happened to a simple majority?

When the Democrats are out of power, they sure do know how to use that filibuster, don't they? It's time for the Republicans to make them actually stand there and read from the phonebook. They're getting nothing passed anyway.

[jjm2111]

How does a filibuster work anyway?

[robertpaulsen]

Before the Senate votes on a bill, it is discussed on the floor. The person who has the floor can refuse to yield and just keep talking forever, thereby preventing a vote. This is called a filibuster (from the Spanish "filibusteros", who held ships hostage for ransom).

A filibuster can be halted if cloture is obtained (three-fifths, or sixty Senators).

In order to save time, Senators would only say that they're going to filibuster, and if the other side couldn't come up with sixty votes, the bill wouldn't even be brought to the floor. Since a bill only requires a majority (51 votes), now all of a sudden, everthing the Democrats don't like requires 60 votes (ie., enough to stop a filibuster).

I say, make the Democrats stand there and talk until the next election. Screw 'em.

By the way, this is exactly what's going on with the Miguel Estrada nomination. The Senate Republicans can't get 60 votes to hear his nomination.

[ez]

This is getting out of hand. The gentleman's filibuster is a recipe for DISASTER.

Those wishing to filibuster legislation must be forced to actually hold the floor from here on out...NO EXCEPTIONS.

[robertpaulsen]

Wouldn't that make great TV?

[votelife]

I'm getting pretty sick of the Democrats rules that 60 votes is needed to pass "controversial" ie Republican legislation. It's not just Estrada.

Many people did not pay attention to the Senate in Feb. Esp with war stuff going on. Frist, Hatch and even Bush have already spent capital on Estrada and more will definitely be coming. I have been writing/calling. For people to say that the Repubs are giving up is nonsense. The Dems are practicing a scorched earth policy, and we need to call them on it.

Freepers, rather than waiting to see what happens with Estrada and Owen, we need to take the lead. That means presuring Senators, special interest groups, media organizations, etc. This thread is meant to be an ongoing effort to get this man confirmed. For too many years liberals have had their way on the courts. Now, President Bush is in a position to move the courts to the right. The election of '02 showed that the country is with the President. I think it's time to let Daschle, Hillary, and Pelosi know this is Bush country. Are you with me! Let's FREEP these people.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/847037/posts